Tom Aspinall has solidified his status as a formidable force in the UFC, recently clinching a decisive knockout victory over Sergei Pavlovich to claim the interim title. His performance seems to have sent shockwaves through the heavyweight division, leaving some of the sport's most seasoned veterans to reconsider their positions.
One of these veterans is none other than Jon Jones, who has long been a dominant figure in mixed martial arts. At 37 years old, Jones finds himself navigating the twilight of an illustrious career. With a desire to finish strong and join the ranks of retired greats like Tom Brady and Floyd Mayweather, Jones is aiming to go out on a high note. However, his journey to the exit has hit a speed bump.
Jones and Miocic Postponed
The highly anticipated bout between Jon Jones and Stipe Miocic was originally scheduled for UFC 295 on November 11, 2023. Fans of the sport were eagerly awaiting the clash, but disappointment followed when Jones had to withdraw due to an injury. Subsequently, Miocic was also pulled from the card, leading to widespread speculation about a new date for the bout. Rumors have surfaced, suggesting that the fight might be rescheduled for UFC 309 on November 16.
The postponement has left a gap in the UFC's heavyweight division, one that Tom Aspinall seems more than willing to fill. Known for his critical perspective on Jones’ career choices, Aspinall hasn't minced words about the veteran fighter’s current status.
Aspinall's Bold Claims
“Let’s be honest, and since I won that fight, he’s gone completely quiet. He’ll continue to go completely quiet about me until he retires. Because there’s no way on Earth that he’s going to fight me. Not a chance. I will retire Jon Jones without even fighting him,” said Aspinall, expressing his belief that Jones is avoiding a clash with him.
Aspinall’s confidence doesn't stop there. He challenges the notion that Jones has any intention of stepping into the Octagon with him post-Miocic. “I challenge anybody watching this interview to go and find the statement, quote, a video where Jon Jones is saying that he’ll fight me after he’s fought Stipe. It doesn’t exist,” he asserted.
The Landscape of Heavyweight Contenders
With Jones sidelined, Aspinall isn’t the only one making moves. He has criticized the perception that both Jones and Miocic represent the pinnacle of the heavyweight division. “They don’t f---ing deserve to be fighting for the heavyweight title. Them guys are not the top of the heavyweight division right now. Dana White and everybody else can say whatever they want, them guys aren’t the best heavyweights in the world right now,” Aspinall remarked bluntly.
Indeed, Aspinall sees himself as the rightful king of the division. “I’m the guy at heavyweight, not him — me. I want to be recognized as the best. I’ve got the real belt. I’m the one defending. He’s defending against a 42-year-old Stipe Miocic with a million miles on the clock. If you want to be the real guy, you have to fight me,” declared Aspinall, making his intentions clear.
Jones' Quest for Legacy
On the other side, Jones seems more focused on securing his legacy than engaging in trash talk. “I’m 37 years old now, I’ve kicked everyone’s ass. My job is to finish strong and make an amazing movie. Go join Tom Brady, Floyd Mayweather and all the other retired bad asses,” stated Jones, highlighting his intentions to conclude his career with flair and dignity.
This divergence in focus between Aspinall and Jones has captured the imagination of UFC fans, who are eagerly waiting to see how the heavyweight landscape will shift. With Jones eyeing retirement and Aspinall staking his claim as the division’s top dog, the UFC heavyweight division is brimming with narrative possibilities.
For now, the rescheduled bout between Jones and Miocic remains a crucial event on the horizon, with UFC enthusiasts hanging on every update. As November 16 approaches, and with Aspinall unwavering in his critiques, the stage is set for a potentially transformative period in heavyweight history. Whether Jones will have the chance to finish strong or if Aspinall will establish his reign sooner than expected, one thing is certain: The drama and excitement surrounding the UFC's heavyweight division are far from over.